MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 143 - DIRECTING THE CELEBRATION OF NEW YEAR'S EVE THROUGH SAFE MEANS OF MERRYMAKING AND REVELRY

WHEREAS, every year on New Year's Eve, avertible incidents of injuries and deaths mar the festive celebration of the New Year's onset;

WHEREAS, these tragic incidents of unnecessary injuries and untimely deaths are occasioned not only by the careless lighting of fireworks, explosion of firecrackers or other incendiary trappings but also by the indiscriminate firing of firearms into the air by both members of the military and civilians;

WHEREAS, most of the hapless victims of the stray bullets fired from these firearms are those wholesomely welcoming the New Year in the vicinity or confines of their residences, yards or gardens; and  

WHEREAS, these incidents could be avoided through moderation and prudence in the celebration of New Year's Eve;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, do hereby order:

Section 1. All members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are hereby ordered to completely refrain from firing their guns into the air on New Year's Eve. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Chief of the Philippine National Police shall ensure strict compliance by the respective members of their commands/units with this order. 

Sec. 2. All civilian gunholders are requested to completely refrain from firing their guns into the air on New Year's Eve. The different gun clubs or societies shall be responsible for the compliance by their respective members with this appeal.

Sec. 3. All heads of local government units and all civic and religious organizations are requested to extend their full support to the campaign for the celebration of New Year's Eve through wholesome and harmless activities.  

Sec. 4. This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and ninety-one.

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Since 19.07.98.